Goal Drought and Body Language

US players likely to start in the World Cup. When was the last time first choice strikers, Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey scored? The calculus problem for coach Jurgen Klinsmann. Gamble on the drought passing and for goals to rain in Brazil. Or take a chance and select someone who is actually scoring as we approach the Finals in June. That could be Chris Wondolowski of the Quakes. Of course, it’s too early to tell what the conditions up front will be come the time Klinsmann has to pick the squad. When a striker loses confidence, the net shrinks in size, the mind cracks.

Body language – Manchester United fans worry about coach, David Moyes. The season is shot through. Adrift in the league, the players no longer willing to row. A fine bottle of wine ages well, losing soccer managers, not so. Look at Moyes. Arms folded tight, wrinkles like World War 1 trenches. His players on the pitch see this. Bye-bye confidence. United no more.

By contrast, Chelsea’s Jose Mourinho, laid back, thumbs up, a few yells here and there, the nod to humor, the odd poke in the eye to enemies and good results. Aging like that fine wine.